Inflatable solar light

ABSTRACT

A solar rechargeable light is disclosed. In some embodiments, the solar light include the following: an expandable inner bladder including at least front and bottom surfaces; a solar rechargeable light assembly joined with the front surface of the inner bladder, the assembly including a thin-film photovoltaic, a battery charger in electrical communication with the thin-film photovoltaic, a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the battery charger, and a light emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery; and an expandable outer bladder configured to contain the inner bladder. The inner and outer bladders are substantially transparent, flexible, inflatable, and collapsible.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/450,974, filed Apr. 19, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/163,239, filed Jun. 17, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/356,274, filed Jun. 18, 2010, which is incorporated by reference as if disclosed herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed towards a light assembly, and more particularly, to a rechargeable solar light device. Sustainable lighting solutions are essential to relief efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, war, and other events that leave large areas without electricity. Rechargeable batteries coupled to photo voltaic cells are an ideal sustainable approach to providing light when the sun goes down. Current solar-charged light solutions are expensive and difficult to transport which make them costly to deploy in large numbers.

Battery- or fuel-powered lighting solutions have the obvious disadvantage of recurring cost and limited resources. On the other hand, most renewable lighting solutions require expensive components and are large and difficult to ship.

Therefore, what is needed and heretofore lacking in prior lighting solutions is a lighting device that can be easily shipped and stored, and which embodies relatively inexpensive components.

The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter include a solar rechargeable light that is expandable for use and collapsible for packing. In some embodiments, the solar light includes the following: an expandable inner bladder including at least front and bottom surfaces; a solar rechargeable light assembly joined with the front surface of the inner bladder, the assembly including a photovoltaic panel, a battery charger in electrical communication with the photovoltaic panel, a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the battery charger, and a light emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery; and an expandable outer bladder configured to contain the inner bladder. The inner and outer bladders are substantially transparent, flexible, inflatable, and collapsible.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show embodiments of the disclosed subject matter for the purpose of illustrating the invention. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric exploded view of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an outer bladder of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a back view of an outer bladder of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an inner bladder of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 7 is a back view of an inner bladder of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of an inner bladder of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of a light assembly of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a light assembly of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 11 a side view of a light assembly of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 12 a side view of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter in a first, collapsed state;

FIG. 13 a side view of a solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter in a second, expanded state;

FIG. 14 is a plan view, depicting a first assembly of an expandable bladder;

FIG. 15 is a plan view, depicting a second assembly of an expandable bladder;

FIG. 16 is a plan view, depicting a third assembly of an expandable bladder;

FIGS. 17A-B are perspective views, depicting the forming of the first assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIGS. 18A and B are perspective views, depicting the second assembly of FIG. 15 and an exploded view thereof;

FIGS. 19A and B are perspective views, depicting the forming of the third assembly shown in FIG. 16;

FIGS. 20A and B are perspective views, depicting another embodiment of an assembled expandable bladder;

FIGS. 21A and B are perspective and side views, depicting a collapsed configuration of the assembly of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 22A-E are side views, depicting the formation of an expandable bladder of a further embodiment of an expandable solar light assembly;

FIGS. 23A and B are plan views, depicting the assembly of a light differing element to the expandable bladder of FIGS. 22A-E; and

FIGS. 24A-D are plan views, depicting the assembly of a solar assembly to the expandable bladder of FIGS. 22A-E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, aspects of the disclosed subject matter include a solar rechargeable light 100 including an inner bladder 102, a solar rechargeable light assembly 104, and an outer bladder 106. Light 100 is expandable by filling inner bladder 102 with a gas, liquid, or solid.

In some embodiments, inner bladder 102 has at least front surfaces 108 and 110, respectively. In some embodiments, inner bladder 102 includes a valve 112 through which the inner bladder can be expanded and collapsed by inflating or filling and deflating or emptying, respectively. Inner bladder 102 is typically filled with one or more of a gas, e.g., air, liquid, and solid.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 9-11, solar rechargeable light assembly 104 is joined with front surface 108 of said inner bladder 102. Solar rechargeable light assembly 104 includes a photovoltaic panel 114, a battery charger 116 in electrical communication with the photovoltaic panel, one or more rechargeable batteries 118 in electrical communication with the battery charger, and one or more light emitting diodes (LED) 120 in electrical communication with the rechargeable batteries. Battery charger 116 typically includes an integrated circuit chip with overcharge control. In some embodiments, rechargeable batteries 118 include two 3.7 volt coin cell batteries. Of course, other size batteries are contemplated depending on the particular application.

In some embodiments, assembly 104 includes more than one LED 120, e.g., four LEDs, in electrical communication with rechargeable batteries 118. Embodiments including more than one LED 120 typically have an increased viewing angle, e.g., four LEDs provides about a 100 to 120 degree viewing angle, which provide approximately 30-40 lumens of light. In some embodiments assembly 104 includes a power switch 122 in electrical communication with rechargeable batteries 118 and LEDs 120. Switch 122 is configured to selectively introduce and prevent the flow of electricity from batteries 118 to LEDs 120. Switch 122 is configured so that a user can control the amount of light output by light 100, e.g., includes off, low, high settings. This can be achieved in at least two ways. First, where there is more than one LED 120, switch 122 can be configured so as to selectively introduce and prevent the flow of electricity from batteries 118 to a desired number of LEDs 120. Alternatively, regardless of the number of LEDs 120, switch 122 can be configured to selectively regulate the flow of electricity from the batteries to the LEDs. In some embodiments, switch 122 is configured to prevent accidental turn-on, e.g., has enough resistance to being switched and is concave. Some embodiments include charging lights 123 for indicating whether batteries 118 are charged, e.g., a red LED for indicating that the batteries are not charged and a green LED for indicating that the batteries are fully charged. Charging lights 123 are in communication with battery charger 116. In some embodiments, depending on the size of thin-film photovoltaic 114, strength of batteries 118, and number of LEDs 120, the batteries will provide enough power to energize the LEDs for 8 hours on a low setting and 4-6 hours on a high setting, and the batteries will recharge after 5-8 hours in the sun.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, outer bladder 106, which is also expandable, is configured to contain inner bladder 102. One or more of inner bladder 102 and outer bladder 106 is typically fabricated from a frosted plastic material or similar to promote diffusion of light from LEDs 120. One or more of inner bladder 102 and outer bladder 106 typically includes one or more surfaces 124 having a particular pattern 126 configured to promote diffusion of light from LEDs 120. In some embodiments, pattern 126 includes a white background portion 128 having a grid of transparent portions 130 thereby defining an about thirty percent transparent white pattern. Outer bladder 106 is typically sealable so that light 100 both floats and is substantially waterproof. In some embodiments, outer bladder 106 includes a bottom portion 132 that has a flat bottom surface 134 and a top portion 136 defining a handle 138. As assembled, bottom surface 110 of inner bladder 102 rests on or is adjacent to bottom surface 134. Flat bottom surface 134 generally allows light 100 to be positioned so as to stand in an upright position. Both outer bladder 106 and inner bladder 102 are generally fabricated from materials that are substantially transparent, flexible, inflatable, and collapsible.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, in use, light 100 is configured so as to have first and second states 140 and 142, respectively. In first state 140, inner bladder 102 is substantially free of gas, liquids, and solids and light 100 is substantially collapsed. In second state 142, inner bladder 102 includes one or more of a gas, liquid, and solid and light 100 is substantially expanded.

With reference to FIGS. 14-21B, another approach to a solar light assembly 200 is disclosed (See FIGS. 21A-B for completed assembly). The light assembly includes an expandable bladder 202 which is formed from a plurality of subassemblies.

A first assembly (See FIGS. 14, 17A-B) 210 is defined by a longitudinal, flat rectangular structure having a first end 212 and a second end 214. This structure is folded along fold lines 220 and joined at the first and second ends 212, 214 to form a rectangular box with open opposite ends 222, 224. A terminal end 226 of one end 212, 214 is folded over another end 212, 214 so that a weld can be created between the ends. Terminal end portions 220 of the side walls defining perimeters of the open opposite ends 222, 224 of the folded rectangular structure are provided and folded to join with further assemblies which close the open opposite ends 222, 224. The first assembly 210 can be formed from a recyclable 0.75 mil PET laminated hybrid plastic and fabric sheet material. Further, in one specific embodiment, the folded sections of the first assembly are generally 4.5×4.5 inch squares, with the terminal end portion 230 of the side walls having a 0.25 inch breadth. The terminal end 226 of the one end 212, 214 which is provided for welding purposes can also have a 0.25 inch dimension.

The second subassembly 240 (See FIGS. 15 and 18A-B) of the solar light assembly 200 is sized and shaped to enclose one open end 222 of the first assembly 210. The second assembly (See FIG. 18A for complete assembly) includes a first generally rectangular, flat component 242, a second generally rectangular, flat component 244, and a flat strip of material defining a handle 246. The first component 242 can be formed from a polyester film such as Polyart FLEX08, 0.75 mil PET. The second component 244 can embody a sheet having a mirrored printed surface or a shiny/silver surface on one side thereof. Terminal end portions 250 extending about the perimeter of each of the first and second components 242, 244 are provided for attaching the components to the first assembly 210, with the first components 242 overlaying the second component 244. To mate with the first assembly, the first and second components can have an effective width and height (excluding the terminal end portions) of 4.5 inches. When so assembled to the first assembly 210, the mirrored surface faces an interior of the resulting bladder 202. The handle 246 can be formed by the same material as the first component 242 and can also include terminal end portions 252 intended to fold over opposite sides of the first assembly 210. Thus, the handle can have an overall length of 5.0 inches and a width of 0.375 inches. In the contemplated assembly, the handle 246 is configured across a mid-section of the first component 242.

The third assembly 260 (See FIGS. 16 and 19A-B), is also sized and shaped to be attached to the first assembly 210. In this case, the third assembly is configured to enclose another open end 224 of the first assembly 210. It further includes a first generally rectangular, flat section 262 residing adjacent and connected by a fold 264 to a second generally rectangular flat section 266. When folded against each other, the first and second sections 262, 266 form a pocket for receiving a solar rechargeable light assembly 290 (See FIGS. 19B and 20B). In particular, the solar rectangular light assembly 290 is contemplated to include the LED, battery and solar panel. Again, in one particular embodiment, the third assembly 260 has an effective width and height of 4.5 inches and further includes a terminal end portion 220 (approximately 0.25 inches) extending about the perimeter of the second section 266, such structure being provided to join the third assembly 260 to the first assembly 210. This assembly can be formed from a clear PET material that has a thickness of 0.005 mil or more.

A completely assembled solar light assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 20B. As shown, the assembly has a generally rectangular prism shape. Additional fold lines 295 formed in the sides of the assembly (see dashed lines) are provided in the portion of the assembly defined by the first assembly 210. Such folds permit the assembly to be collapsed and expanded when forces (see arrows) are applied to the solar light assembly 200. The collapsed bladder 202 is best seen in FIGS. 21A-B, an end of which can be removed to provide a mechanism for expansion of the bladder 202. In this way, the assembly 200 can be shipped or stored in a collapsed state and then expanded when in use. In use, the shiny or reflective surface of the second assembly 246 reflects light generated by the solar rechargeable light assembly 290 to enhance the power of the light, and such enhanced light is diffused through the pure white walls of the bladder 202.

In a specific embodiment, the solar rechargeable light assembly 290 includes a 5V/120 MA, 0.65 W solar panel (monocrystalline silicon) having a ten-year life cycle. A power storage device can be in the form of Li—ON rechargeable batteries such as a 3.7V/800 MAH device with a life cycle of 1000 charges. The LED can include 6 PCS SMD having a total of 20-22 lumens and a life cycle of 50,000 hours. The working time of the light assembly is intended to be eight continuous hours and/or bashed continue ten hours, in a working condition of 20° C. to 70° C.

Turning to FIGS. 22A-24D, yet another approach to a solar light assembly 300 is presented. As with the immediately preceding example, this solar light assembly 300 is formed from a plurality of subassemblies to form an expandable bladder 302 (See FIG. 24D). A first assembly 310 is embodied in a strip of material formed into a loop 312. The loop 312 can be made from a PET textile and ends of the strip can be heat sealed to create the loop 312. Next, the loop 312 if folded in half to make a rectangular shape, and the rectangle is folded in half lengthwise. While folded in half lengthwise, each of the corners 314 are folded over to create a triangular fold 316. Once all the corners 314 are folded, an octagonal shape results, with a square opening 318 on each side of the structure. These square openings are covered with one square sleeve containing a solar panel and circuit. The other square opening is filled with a panel which has a handle on one side and a shiny mirrored surface coating on the other side.

As shown in FIGS. 23A-B, a first square opening 312 in the first assembly 310 is covered with a second assembly 320. The second assembly 320 is a generally flat, rectangular structure that is contemplated to include a mirror or shiny surface facing an interior of the first assembly 310. As before, this surface is intended to enhance the light emitted by a solar rechargeable light assembly. The second assembly 320 is affixed to the first assembly 310 by welding or other attachment means. A handle 322 is placed over a mid-section of the second assembly 320 and attached to the bladder device.

A third assembly 330 is further provided and is embodied in a pocket-like structure. The third assembly is sized and shaped to cover and close a second opening 312 formed in the first assembly 310. Again, here, the third assembly 330 is attached by welding or other conventional means to the first assembly 310. Facing outwardly is a photovoltaic element 352. In this way, solar energy can be captured and turned into light energy which is reflectable and enhanced by the reflective surface of the second assembly 320 through white, transparent walls of the solar light assembly to provide a useful light source.

For a self-expanding solar lamp 300, after the first and second assemblies 320, 330 have been attached, small micro holes are punctured in the triangular panels 316 of the PET textile material. These micro punctures allow for the air to come in automatically when the handle is pulled. Thus, pulling the handle while grabbing the panel with the solar panel and gently unfolding and pulling the lamp into a cube shape, resulting in expanding the bladder 302. For the inflation hole alternative, a ⅜ inch tip is cut from a top corner of one of the triangular sides 316 of the flattened octagonal shape to form a hole. To expand the bladder 302, the side with the solar panel and also the handle side are held and pulled slightly apart, air is blown into the bladder to inflate into a cube shape.

Lights according to the disclosed subject matter offer benefits over known technology. In the wake of a natural disaster, because they are collapsible, they can be shipped in conjunction with other disaster relief supplies. Families and individuals in tent cities are in desperate need of light to improve safety at night. Children need light at night to continue their studies. Lights according to the disclosed subject matter are a cost effective improvement over flashlights and kerosene lanterns. Lights according to the disclosed subject matter are also designed to provide light to individuals with little to no access to a functioning electrical grid. In developing nations, the World Bank estimates that families spend an average of 30% of their disposable income on kerosene lamps and other forms of non-renewable lighting. Lights according to the disclosed subject matter are designed to last 3-5 years. The money families are able to save will allow them to buy food and other necessities.

Lights according to the disclosed subject matter can be used by campers and hikers in outdoor uses as a rechargeable, easy transportable light source. They are waterproof and can be used in water sport activities. They can also be used as a household pool light.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated with respect to embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, etc., to produce additional embodiments within the scope of the invention, and that various other changes, omissions, and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A solar rechargeable lamp, comprising: an expandable inner bladder including an outer surface and an internal volume for receiving one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid; an expandable outer bladder including a flat bottom surface, an internal volume and configured to contain the inner bladder within the internal volume of the outer bladder, the outer bladder having a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user; and a solar rechargeable light assembly located between the inner bladder and the outer bladder such that the outer bladder is devoid of an opening for the assembly; wherein in a first state, the internal volume of the inner bladder is substantially free of gas, liquids, and solids and the lamp is substantially collapsed, and in a second state, the internal volume of the inner bladder includes one or more of a gas, liquid, and solid, and in the second state, the inner bladder expands the outer bladder and the lamp is substantially expanded for standing in an upright position on the flat bottom surface of the outer bladder.
 2. The lamp of claim 1, the solar rechargeable light assembly being joined to the outer surface of the inner bladder, the assembly comprising: a photovoltaic panel; a battery charger in electrical communication with the photovoltaic panel; a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the battery charger; and a light emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery.
 3. The lamp of claim 2, further comprising a power switch in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and the light emitting diode, wherein in a first position, the switch enables the flow of electricity from the battery to the light emitting diode, and in a second position, the switch prevents the flow of electricity from the battery to the light emitting diode.
 4. The lamp of claim 2, wherein the assembly includes more than one light emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery.
 5. The lamp of claim 4, further comprising a power switch in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and the light emitting diodes, wherein the switch can be configured to control an amount of light provided by the light emitting diodes.
 6. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the inner bladder further comprises a valve through which the inner bladder is inflated to be filled and deflated to be emptied.
 7. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the outer bladder is sealable so that the lamp both floats and is substantially waterproof.
 8. The lamp of claim 1, wherein one or more of the inner and outer bladders includes one or more surfaces having a particular pattern configured to promote diffusion of light from the solar rechargeable light assembly.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A solar rechargeable lamp, comprising: an expandable inner bladder including an outer surface and an internal volume for receiving one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid; a solar rechargeable light assembly joined with the outer surface of the inner bladder, the assembly including (i) a thin-film photovoltaic panel, (ii) a battery charger in electrical communication with the thin-film photovoltaic panel, (iii) a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the battery charger, and (iv) a light emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery; and an expandable outer bladder having a flat bottom surface, a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user, and configured to contain the inner bladder; wherein the inner and outer bladders are substantially transparent, flexible, inflatable, and collapsible, and the solar rechargeable light assembly is located between the inner bladder and the outer bladder such that the outer bladder is devoid of an opening for the assembly, and wherein the flat bottom surface of the outer bladder enables the lamp to stand in an upright position when the lamp is inflated.
 11. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the inner bladder further comprises a valve through which the inner bladder is inflated to be filled and deflated to be emptied.
 12. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the outer bladder includes one or more surfaces having a particular pattern configured to promote diffusion of light from the light emitting diode.
 13. The lamp of claim 10, wherein in a first state, the inner bladder is substantially free of gas, liquids, and solids and the lamp is substantially collapsed and wherein in a second state, the inner bladder includes one or more of a gas, liquid, and solid and the lamp is substantially expanded.
 14. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the assembly includes more than one light emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery.
 15. The lamp of claim 10, further comprising a power switch in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and the light emitting diodes, wherein the switch can be configured to control an amount of light provided by the lamp.
 16. A solar rechargeable lamp, comprising: an expandable inner bladder including an outer surface and a valve for filling the expandable bladder with one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid; a solar rechargeable light assembly joined with the outer surface of the inner bladder; and an outer bladder configured to contain the inner bladder within the outer bladder so that the assembly is located between the inner bladder and the outer bladder such that the outer bladder is devoid of an opening for the assembly, the outer bladder comprising a flat bottom surface and an aperture, the aperture being aligned with the valve when the inner bladder is contained within the outer bladder, the outer bladder having a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user; wherein in a first state, the inner bladder is substantially free of gas, liquids, and solids and the inner and outer bladders are substantially collapsed, and in a second state, the inner bladder is filled with the one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid through the valve, thereby expanding the inner bladder for standing in an upright position on the flat bottom surface of the outer bladder.
 17. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the inner bladder also has a bottom surface, and in the second state, the bottom surface of the inner bladder is adjacent to the flat bottom surface of the outer bladder.
 18. The lamp of claim 13, wherein the inner bladder also has a bottom surface, and in the second state, the bottom surface of the inner bladder is adjacent to the flat bottom surface of the outer bladder.
 19. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the outer bladder is sealable so that the lamp both floats and is substantially waterproof.
 20. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the assembly has a reflective back surface for reflecting light from the light emitting diode towards the inner bladder.
 21. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the assembly has a reflective back surface for reflecting light from the light emitting diode towards the inner bladder.
 22. A waterproof inflatable solar powered lamp, comprising: a collapsible translucent housing having a flat bottom surface, a side wall, and an interior, the housing having a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user; a valve for inflating the housing; a watertight seal between the flat bottom surface and the side wall; a light assembly in the interior of the housing, between the housing and an inner surface such that the housing is devoid of an opening for the light assembly, the light assembly having (i) a back side and a front side, (ii) a solar panel on the front side of the assembly, (iii) a rechargeable battery on the back side of the assembly for receiving charge from the solar panel, (iv) at least one light emitting diode on the back side of the assembly for receiving power from the rechargeable battery; and a switch for controlling power from the battery to the light emitting diode, to turn the light emitting diode on and off; wherein in a first state, the interior of the housing is substantially free of gas, liquids and solids and the lamp is substantially collapsed; and in a second state, the interior of the housing includes one or more of a gas, liquid and solid so the lamp is expanded for standing in an upright position on the flat bottom surface of the housing.
 23. The lamp of claim 22, further comprising a reflective surface for reflecting light from the light emitting diode towards the interior of the housing.
 24. The lamp of claim 22, wherein the housing is an outer bladder, and further comprising an inner bladder having an outer surface, and wherein the inner surface of the lamp is the outer surface of the inner bladder.
 25. The lamp of claim 22, wherein the flat bottom surface of the housing has a curved perimeter. 